Have you come across the term sciatica? Chances are you may have heard of it or may know someone who suffers from it. Find out more about it here.

Upper portion of sciatic nerve in the buttock region.

Our sciatic nerve is the longest and widest nerve in the human body. It runs from the low back to the sole of our feet and acts as major pathway for motor and sensory information to the lower limbs.

​Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed and irritated, which can results in severe pain and disability.

​There are several causes that can lead the the developments of sciatica such as:1.Slipped disc or disc herniation. Read more about it here.2.Piriformis syndrome. Read more about it here.3.Spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal (the space where the spinal cord runs) narrows due to bone spurs from long-term wear and tear or spondylolisthesis (slippage/misalignment of the vertebral body)4.Pregnancy. The extra weight from the foetus can place extra compression pressure on the sciatic nerve behind the uterus.5.Tumour.

Patients with sciatica might experience:•Severe pain in low back radiating into the buttock or down the leg.•Numbness/ tingling, electric shock like sensation in the leg.•Weakness with certain leg movement.•Pain that is more noticable in morning.•Pain that is made worse with bending the low back forward, bowel straining, coughing or sneezing.

Chiropractic treatments have been well documented to manage sciatica in a drug-free and effective manner. The initial phase of treatment would focus on pain management by restoring proper biomechanical function of the surrounding joints and musculatures to reduce compression at the involved segment. Treatments would usually involve joint manipulation/mobilisation, trigger point therapy, home stretches and kinesiotaping. Once the symptoms subside, the patient would then be gradually exposed to an exercise program aimed at strengthening the region.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, please do not hesitate to come in for an examination at Spearwood Chiropractic. Call us on (08) 94183722 to make an appointment.

Spearwood Chiropractic strives to allow our patients to live a pain-free life by providing drug- free, effective and affordable care for joints and muscular issues for all ages.

Private health insurance rebates are available at Spearwood Chiropractic. The amount of coverage varies so please refer to your insurer for your level of rebate.

Located at 6, Barrington Street in Spearwood, Spearwood Chiropractic also services the surrounding suburbs of Coogee, Fremantle, Hamilton Hill, Beeliar, Success, Hammond Park, Aubin Grove, Bibra Lake, South Lake, Cockburn Central, Munster and Yangebup. To book an appointment, call us now on (08) 94183722 or enquire further on www.spearwoodchiropractic.com.au